Median Income
$76,591
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$131,400
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.4%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Wood River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,426
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density1,262/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,591
Per Capita$31,713
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$5,285M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,400
Rent$820
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$232,201
Housing Units512
Rent Burden19.1%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property4,359/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking12.9%
Depression17.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,966 ft (599 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.4%
High School+87.8%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Wood River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wood River receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Wood River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wood River is $76,591, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wood River is $131,400, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wood River is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Wood River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches, including 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wood River has a population of 1,426 with a density of 1,262 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.6% of residents, while 17.4% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wood River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.6%
5% above US avg
Spanish
17.4%
30% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Wood River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wood River is $76,591, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,713 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,044, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,982 business establishments, including 166 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wood River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,591 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,713 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,044 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,081 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,982 |
| County GDP | $5,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 166 |
| Healthcare | 216 |
| Retail | 295 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,516 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Wood River is $131,400, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,201, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 512 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $5,516 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $131,400 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,201 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 512 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,516 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.20% |
In Wood River, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 17.0% report depression. 14.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,722. The dentist ratio is 1:1,109. 88.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wood River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 8.7% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 17.0% |
| Mental Distress | 14.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,722 |
| Dentists | 1:1,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:227 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,360/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 216 |
Wood River has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wood River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wood River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,358.9/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wood River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,966 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,966 ft (599 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,262/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8196°N, 98.6042°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
95 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
100 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
101 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
773 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 417 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
36 km |
4 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
28 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
6 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Wood River has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wood River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood River
What is the population of Wood River?
Wood River has a population of 1,426 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,262 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Wood River expensive to live in?
Wood River is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $76,591, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,400 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wood River safe?
Wood River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wood River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wood River?
Wood River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches, with 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wood River?
Wood River has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,044. There are 1,982 business establishments in the area, including 166 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wood River?
The median home value in Wood River is $131,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,201. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,516.
How are the schools in Wood River?
Schools in Wood River score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.4% of adults in Wood River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wood River?
The obesity rate in Wood River is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 17.0% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 88.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,722.
What is transportation like in Wood River?
The average commute in Wood River is 26 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wood River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wood River is 83% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 82.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.4% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.